We all like to have many options on our table when eating, but we might not always have the budget for that. Sometimes, based on our budget, we can only pick one or two items on the menu, while there are other items calling our name.
Yeah, we’ve all been there.
What if I tell you there is a way around this? Yes. You can enjoy variety at your favorite restaurant without blowing your budget – you just need to know a few tricks.
Here are some tips on how to mix things up, order smart, and satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Tips for Satisfying Your Cravings Without Overspending
1. Go for Combo Meals — but Make Them Work for You
I always go for combo meals when I’m craving variety. Combo meals usually come with a main dish, a side, and a drink. It’s a bundle package that costs less compared to ordering the items individually.
But do you know the fun part of it? Customization. Yes. You don’t have to settle for the default items on the list. You can make the combo exactly how you want it.
If the default side option is fries, you can ask them to switch it to onion rings or salad. Basically, any side of your choice. Some restaurants also let you do half-and-half sides. This means you can have half of two sides. Cool, right?
For example, the Jack in the Box $5 box deal lets you do that. You can also swap drinks. It can come with Sprite, but you can swap to another beverage of the same size. Some restaurants even let you swap the drink for dessert.
If you’re eating with someone, order two types of combos and share everything. Both of you will enjoy twice the variety.
2. Don’t Sleep on Appetizers and Small Plates
Here’s a move most people overlook: skip the entrée section for a second and look at the appetizers. A lot of times, that’s where you’ll find the best variety for your money. Smaller portions mean you can try more than one thing.
This is one trick many people often overlook – leave the entrees and pay more attention to the appetizers. Most times, the appetizer section has the best variety, offering you more value for your money.
Trying smaller portions of the appetizer means you can try more things. Check out of So Foody for a list of restaurants that offer variety for a few bucks.
3. Take Advantage of Lunch Portions and Specials
If your schedule’s flexible, try eating out during lunch hours. Many restaurants offer lunch-sized portions of their dinner meals for a few bucks less. It’s the same dish, just a bit smaller and lighter on the wallet.
And don’t forget about happy hour menus — they’re not just for drinks. Some restaurants have discounted appetizers or small bites during those hours. If you time it right, you can eat like a king for the cost of a single dinner entrée.
So, yeah, sometimes the secret to variety isn’t what you order — it’s when you order it.
4. Mix and Match Sides
This is a trick I use all the time. When I don’t want to commit to one big meal, I just build my own from the sides. Think baked potato, steamed veggies, and maybe mac and cheese. You get a mix of textures and flavors — creamy, crunchy, savory — without going overboard.
And if you’re dining with friends, you can all order different sides and pass them around. It turns into a mini buffet right at your table. It’s casual, fun, and you get to sample more things for less money.
5. Use Loyalty Programs and Restaurant Deals
If you have a go-to spot, signing up for their loyalty program is a no-brainer. You can earn points toward free meals, get birthday discounts, and sometimes even receive exclusive deals through their app or email list.
What’s great about these programs is that they give you opportunities to try new menu items you might not normally splurge on — for free or at a discount. You’re basically stretching your dollar while expanding your taste experience.
6. Explore the Value Menu
Now, this one’s underrated. The value menu is where you can find the hidden gems — smaller items, smaller prices, and the freedom to mix things up. You can grab a chicken sandwich, a small salad, and maybe some fries, and it’ll still cost less than a regular combo meal.
The portions might be smaller, but that’s the whole point. You get variety without stuffing yourself or emptying your wallet. It’s the kind of meal that feels balanced and fun instead of indulgent.
7. Share Dessert Instead of Ordering Individually
Desserts can sneak up on your bill. But sharing one can cut the cost in half while still satisfying your sweet tooth. I’ve done this more times than I can count — split a brownie sundae or cheesecake slice, and suddenly dessert feels more like a shared moment than just a sugary add-on.
And honestly, it’s usually plenty for two people anyway. You get a few bites of something delicious, and that’s enough to wrap up your meal on a sweet note.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, getting variety without overspending isn’t about being cheap — it’s about being clever. You can absolutely enjoy a mix of flavors, textures, and tastes without feeling guilty afterward.
It’s all about balance. Pick smaller portions, share with friends, swap sides, and take advantage of deals when they come around. Eating out should feel like a treat, not a budgeting exercise.
And next time you’re staring at that menu trying to decide between the burger and the tacos? You’ll know what to do — find a way to have both, and still keep your wallet happy.
